Orthostatic Hypotension: QTc Interval Prolongation during Head-Up Tilt

Background: The QT interval shortens in response to sympathetic stimulation. Head-up tilt-table (HUT) testing is a straightforward way to achieve brisk sympathetic stimulation. There is not enough information about the response of the QT interval to HUT, particularly, in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH). Objective: Analyse the response of the RR, QT and QTc intervals in patients with OH and reflex syncope (NM) during HUT and find differences between groups. Methods: We reviewed the electrocardiograms and compare the RR and QT/QTc intervals during 1) baseline;2) HUT plus hyperventilation;3) positive test. Results: We studied 137 patients, 62 control group (no syncope and negative HUT). On average, the RR HUT interval was shorter than the resting RR by −171 ± 110.4 ms in controls;−228.6 ± 119.4 ms (NM) and −194 ± (OH) (P Conclusion: Significant differences between the reflex group and the OH during a positive test, the QTc decreased in the NM group, but in the OH population increased. This observation has not been described. We hypothesize that QTc prolongation could reflect autonomic nervous system downregulation and could explain to a degree, the increased mortality in this group.

A Case Report of Recurrent Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Orthostatic Hypotension Syncope as the First Symptom

Guillain⁃Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy with acute or subacute onset of flaccid paralysis of the limbs with symmetrical hypesthesia and autonomic nerve involvement [1]. The clinical manifestations of autonomic nerve damage are complex and varied, which may involve extensive or limited autonomic function damage, including abnormalities of the skin, pupil, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, body temperature, lacrimal and salivary glands, and sexual function, etc. [2], and some patients may even have autonomic nerve damage as the only symptom, which is a variant of GBS and is prone to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Recurrence of GBS is rare, and the manifestations of recurrence are often similar to those of the first symptoms [3], but the patient admitted to our hospital had syncope as the main clinical manifestation of recurrence, which was completely different from that of the first incidence, and syncope is not a common and typical clinical manifestation of GBS, so misdiagnosis is highly likely.

The association between orthostatic hypertension and all-cause mortality in hospitalized elderly persons

Background Little is known about the prevalence oforthostatic hypertension （OHT） and its effect on long-term mortality in the eld- erly. We evaluated the prevalence of OHT and its effect on mortality in hospitalized elderly patients. Methods Out of 1852 patients admit- ted between 31/12/1999 and 31/12/2000 to an acute geriatric ward, 474 patients （48% males） with a mean age of 81.5 ±6.8 years were en- rolled in this study. Blood pressure （BP） was measured three times during the day in a supine and standing position. Patients with at least one increase in systolic or diastolic BP levels upon standing were diagnosed with OHT. Medical history, physical examination and laboratory parameters were retrieved from the medical records. Mortality data until 18th June 2014 were retrieved from the computerized system of the Ministry of the Interior. Results Four hundred and seven patients （86%） were diagnosed with OHT. Those without OHT had a lowerbody mass index and were more likely males, smokers, had a higher rate of Parkinson＇s disease and less congestive heart failure compared with those with OHT. Patients with OHT had a better survival rate than those without OHT （P = 0.024）. Hazard ratios （HRs） for mortality in those with OHT adjusted to age and multiple risk factors were： 0.67 [95% confidence interval （CI）： 0.51-0.87] and 0.73 （95% CI： 0.55-0.97）, respectively; a similar tendency was noticed in a sensitivity analysis by gender. Conclusion Hospitalized elderly patients with OHT had a better survival rate than those without OHT.

The association between orthostatic blood pressure changes and subclinical target organ damage in subjects over 60 years old

Background Although recent studies have indicated that both orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension independently predict cardiovascular events,the underlying mechanisms are still controversial.The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between orthostatic changes and organ damage in subjects over 60 years old.Methods This is a prospective observational cohort study.One thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven subjects over 60 years old were enrolled.Participants were grouped according to whether they had a drop>20 mmHg in systolic or>10 mmHg in diastolic BP(orthostatic hypotension),an increase in mean orthostatic systolic blood pressure>20 mm Hg(orthostatic hypertension),or normal changes within 3 min of orthostatism.Multiple regression modeling was used to investigate the relationship between orthostatic hypotension,orthostatic hypertension and subclinical organ damage with adjustment for confounders.Results Orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension were found in 461(23.1%)and 189(9.5%)participants,respectively.Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness(IMT),brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV),clearance of creatinine,and microalbuminuria were associated with orthostatic hypotension;measurement of IMT and baPWV were associated with orthostatic hypertension in a cruse model.After adjustment,IMT[odds ratio(OR),95%confidence interval(CI)per one-SD increment:1.385,1.052-1.823;P=0.02],baPWV(OR=1.627,95%CI:1.041-2.544;P=0.033)and microalbuminuria(OR=1.401,95%CI:1.002-1.958;P=0.049)were still associated with orthostatic hypotension,while orthostatic hypertension was only associated with IMT(OR=1.730,95%CI:1.143-2.618;P=0.009).Conclusions Orthostatic hypotension seems to be independently correlated with increased carotid atherosclerosis,arterial stiffness and renal damage in subjects over 60 years old.Orthostatic hypertension correlates with carotid atherosclerosis only.

What is the relationship between frailty and orthostatic hypotension in older adults?

Background Frailty and orthostatic hypotension (OH),which is common in older adults,is associated with morbidity and mortality.The relationship between them remains unclear.The aim of the study is to determine whether there is a relationship between frailty and OH.Methods A total of 496 patients who were admitted to the geriatric clinic and underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment were retrospectively reviewed.In a cross-sectional and observational study,OH was measured by the Head-up Tilt Table test at 1,3,and 5 min (respectively,OH1,OH3,and OH5) and the frailty was measured by the Fried’s frailty scale.Results The mean age of all patients was 75.4 ± 7.38.The prevalence of females was 69.8%.When the frail people were compared with the pre-frail and the robust ones,the frailty was associated with OH1.There was no relationship between the groups in terms of OH1 when the pre-frail group was compared with the robust group.OH3 were higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail group (P < 0.05) and the OH5 were higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail and robust group (P < 0.05),but OH3 and OH5 were not associated with frailty status when they were adjusted for age (P > 0.05).Slowness and weakness were associated with OH1 (P < 0.05),whereas the other components of the Fried’s test were not.Conclusions Frailty may be a risk factor for OH1.The 1^st min measurements of OH should be routinely evaluated in frail older adults to prevent OH-related poor outcomes.

Diagnosis and management of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome：A brief review

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome （POTS） has been recognized since at least 1940.A review of the literature identifies differences in the definition for this condition and wide variations in treatment and outcomes.This syndrome appears to describe a group of conditions with differing pathophysiology,which requires treatment tailored to the true underlying disorder.Patients need to be fully evaluated to guide treatment.Further research is required to effectively classify the range of underlying pathophysioiogy that can produce this syndrome and to guide optimal management.

Orthostatic hypotension,an often-neglected problem in community-dwelling older people:discrepancies between studies and real life

Orthostatic hypotension (OH)is a common condition in older persons.According to the 2011criteria,OH is defined by a sustained reduction of systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a 10mmHg-fall of diastolic blood pressure,[1] Its prevalence increases with age and according to a recent systematic review the pooled prevalence in community dwelling older people is 22.2%.[2]Although OH is largely explained by concurrent clinical conditions (in particular, hypertension,diabetes,malnutrition,vascular encephalopa- thy,anemia,Parkinson's disease)[3],aging per se determines a series of physiological dysfunctions potentially representing its biological substratum (e.g.,reduction in barore- flex-mediated cardiovascular function,altered salt and water balance at renal level,impaired cardiac diastolic filling).It is also noteworthy that age-related changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drugs (especially in the context of polypharmacy)also increase the risk of OH.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension with Parkinson's disease as a cause of syncope:A case report

BACKGROUND Syncope presents with diagnostic challenges and is associated with high healthcare costs.Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension(nOH)as one cause of syncope is not well established.We review a case of syncope caused by nOH in a patient with Parkinson's disease.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of syncope caused by nOH in Parkinson's disease and review the literature.A 70-year-old man with Parkinson's disease had uncontrolled blood pressure for 1 mo,with blood pressure ranging from 70/40 to 220/112 mmHg,and once lost consciousness lasting for several minutes after getting up.Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring indicated nocturnal hypertension(up to 217/110 mmHg)and morning orthostatic hypotension(as low as 73/45 mmHg).Seated-to-standing blood pressure measurement showed that the blood pressure dropped from 173/96 mmHg to 95/68 mmHg after standing for 3 min from supine position.A diagnosis of nOH with supine hypertension was made.During the course of treatment,Midodrine could not improve the symptoms.Finally,the patient's blood pressure stabilized with simple strategies by strengthening exercises,reducing the duration of lying in bed in the daytime,and consuming water intake before getting up.CONCLUSION nOH is one of the causes of syncope.Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a cost-effective method for its diagnosis,and non-pharmacological measures are still the primary management methods.

Reversible postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS) is a relatively rare syndrome recognised since 1940. It is a heterogenous condition with orthostatic intolerance due to dysautonomia and is characterised by rise in heart rate above 30 bpm from base line or to more than 120 bpm within 5-10 min of standing with or without change in blood pressure which returns to base line on resuming supine position. This condition present with various disabling symptoms such as light headedness, near syncope, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, tremor, palpitations and mental clouding, etc. However there are no identifiable signs on clinical examination and patients are often diagnosed to have anxiety disorder. The condition predominantly affects young female between the ages of 15-50 but is rarely described in older people. We describe an older patient who developed POTS which recovered over 12 mo. Recognising this condition is important as there are treatment options available to alleviate the disabling symptoms.

Fu's subcutaneous needling for orthostatic hypotension due to Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case report

A 28-year-old female developed symptoms of frequent dizziness and occasional syncope while standing up,accompanied by paresthesia in her extremities and occasional constipation.She was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome(GBS).Her upright blood pressure was undetectable,and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed protein-leukocyte separation.A nerve conduction study showed that the sensory nerves of her lower limbs had been injured,but the motor nerves were almost normal.She was treated with immunotherapy and hormonotherapy,which partially relieved her paresthesia and constipation.However,her orthostatic hypotension(OH) persisted after two months of treatment.After three courses of treatment consisting of Fu’s subcutaneous needling,OH significantly improved,with a much less pronounced decrease(<20 mmHg) in systolic blood pressure in the upright position than observed be fore treatment.She was sympto m-free and able to stand and walk for short distances after 3 months of follow-up.This case indicates that Fu’s subcutaneous needling treatment is effective for OH caused by GBS,and it may be a suitable alternative when conventional treatment does not produce ideal results.

Quantification of the Beneficial Effects of Compression Stockings on Symptoms of Exercise and Orthostatic Intolerance in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Patients

Chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) are, amongst others, characterized by exercise intolerance, pain, post exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance. It has been shown in venous disease and sport participation that compression stockings may improve exercise performance and reduce post exercise muscle soreness. Moreover, its use is advocated in orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, it was hypothesized that compression stockings may reduce symptomatology in CFS/ME patients. Methods: 100 patients used compression stockings class II for minimally 3 weeks and thereafter filled in a questionnaire, based on the Rand 36 physical activity questions (n = 9), whether compression stockings changed perceived symptoms or not. Moreover, 7 questions referring to prolonged standing and sitting, to recovery post exercise, muscle pain during or immediately post exercise, and to dizziness/light-headedness during or immediately post exercise, while standing and during prolonged sitting were added. Questions were scored as 1: able to perform activity much less while wearing the stockings, 2: perform activity somewhat less, 3: no perceived change in activity, 4: perform activity slightly better, 5: able to perform activity much better while wearing the stockings. Results: In patients able to answer the question, all mean scores per activity were significantly higher than 3, being no perceived change in activity while wearing the stockings. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with orthostatic intolerance reported higher effects than patients without orthostatic intolerance. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that compression stockings may be useful to reduce symptomatology of physical activities in CFS/ME patients, especially in patients with orthostatic intolerance. Larger prospective studies with hard endpoints are warranted.

Value of Orthostatic Hypotension as a Prognostic Bed-Side Test in Heart Failure

Background: Neurohumoral compensatory mechanisms play an important role in stabilizing the functional activity of patients with heart failure using the arms of autonomic nervous system. Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) is one of the most incapacitating symptoms of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction (CAD). OH can include sympathetic withdrawal which in turn leads to marked disability and deterioration of heart failure symptoms. Progressive Autonomic Dysfunction (AD) associated with progressive deterioration and impact on mortality of many diseases as hypertension, diabetes and other chronic diseases. The idea of using (OH) as a bed-side simple test expecting the risk of deterioration of cardiac function and furthermore on mortality open a gateway for preventive medicine and care to these group of patients. For more confidential prove, studying subjective and objective factors in heart failure patients became necessary to support these idea. Methods and Results: Sixty-Four patients with known history of heart failure were collected. All patients taking the fixed regiment of 4 drugs (diuretic, ACE inhibitor, Digitalis and B-blocker) in appropriate tolerated doses for two weeks prior to the study. History taking and all routine investigations were done for all patients. Grouping is based upon wither they have (OH) or not. Group-A found to have normal Bp response to standing;they were 24 patients (18 male and 6 female) of mean Age (45 ± 8 years). Group-B discovered to have significant (OH) and was 22 patients (16 males and 6 females) of mean Age (43 ± 4 years). The first Clinical and Echocardiographic examination was done and considered as a base-line characteristic. Then, a Call-back after 6 months for follow-up and second visit examination is recorded. Furthermore, every patient was advised to report changes in his clinical symptoms in a note-book describing five main items to answer a questionnaire at the end of the study involves [times of admission to hospital, need for treatment modification, numbers of paroxysmal nocturnal dysnea, numbers of arrhythmic episodes and manifest lower limb edema]. At the end of the study, statistical methods are used to clarify the changes in their data and detect deterioration of cardiac functions by Echocardiographic results and their answers to the questionnaire. In the first visit, comparison of demographic, clinical and Echocardiographic data revealed no significant variations—odd values are excluded and the remaining 46 patients are then tested for their Bp response to standing and classified into two groups. Group-A (normal Bp response) and Group-B (having orthostatic hypotension). Group-A were 24 patients (18 male and 6 female) of mean Age (45 ± 8 years). Group-B were 22 patients (16 males and 6 females) of mean Age (43 ± 4 years). In the second visit (6-month later), divergence of data is observed and was statistically significant. Group-B was found to have a lower EF% and FS% (p = 0.01), a lower Dp/Dt (p = 0.01) and a higher Tie-Index and MR-jet area (p = 0.01). This means that, patients having orthostatic hypotension underwent significant deterioration of cardiac functions after a period of six-months. Indeed, the questionnaire proved frequent times of hospital admissions, paroxysmal nocturnal dysnea, need for treatment modification, arrhythmias and lower limb edema in group-B. Discussion: The present study conclude that, heart failure-patients having

Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Orthostatic Hypotension in the Cardiology Department of the CHU Ignace Deen in Conakry

Introduction: Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) is a frequent situation during consultation in hypertensive patients. The prevalence in the general population increases with age and it is recommended to systematically search for it in patients with multiple comorbidities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension;describe their socio- demographic profile, the various clinical and paraclinical aspects and the predisposing factors of orthostatic hypotension in treated hypertensives, controlled or not. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, from January 2 to June 30, 2022 in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Included in this study were all patients who presented with orthostatic hypotension under antihypertensive treatment, regardless of age and sex, and who agreed to participate in the study. The non-inclusion criteria were hypertensive patients without OH and those who had not agreed to participate in the study. Each patient had blood pressure and heart rate measured in the supine position at room temperature and with an empty bladder. Then the measurement is taken again three (3) minutes after the switch to orthostatism. We retained the diagnosis of OH if the SBP drops by at least 20 mmHg and/or the PAD by at least 10 mmHg three (3) min after the transition to orthostatism. Our data obtained were analyzed in the Epi-info 7.4.0 software. Results: During our study period, we investigated 385 presented with OH, 12.2%. The mean age of the patients was 60.83 years ± 10.01 years and hypertensive patients, 47 of whom the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. In our study, blood pressure was not controlled in 36.2% of our patients with a predominance of grade 3 hypertension, a rate of 55.32%. Renal failure, anemia, heart failure and stroke were the main comorbidities associated with the occurrence of HO. The most incriminated factors were age with a frequency of 74.47%, followed by obesity at 44.68% and diabetes at 27.66%. BP was normally controlled with a rate of 68.8% in treated hypertensive patients with OH. It is found much more in patients using triple therapy, a rate of 61.71%. Conclusion: The prevalence of OH is high in our department. It is found much more in patients using triple therapy. The most incriminated factors were age followed by obesity and diabetes.

A diagnosis-based health economic analysis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in Chinese children

Background Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome （POTS） is a common clinical problem in children and adolescents. The previous diagnostic approach to POTS of children and adolescents is based on a series of tests to exclude all other causes, which is time and medical resource consuming. Recently, a new diagnostic approach has been developed. The present study was designed to statistically analyze the results of clinical investigation items and the cost for the diagnosis of POTS in children patients, and evaluate cost changes in the diagnosis of POTS. Methods A total of 315 children patients were divided into two groups according to diagnosis period, including group I diagnosed in 2002-2006 （100 cases） and group II in 2007-2010 （215 cases） and the diagnostic item-based distribution of the cost was analyzed. The diagnostic costs were compared between two groups using SPSS17.0. Results The per-capita cost of diagnosis in group I was （621.95±2.1.10） Yuan, costs of diagnostic tests （head-up tilt test standing test, etc） accounted for 8.68% and the exclusive tests for 91.32%. The per-capita cost of diagnosis in group II was （542.69±2.3.14） Yuan, diagnostic tests accounted for 10.50% and exclusive tests for 89.50%. Comparison of the total cost of diagnostic tests between the two groups showed significant differences （P〈0.05）. Conclusion The cost of POTS diagnosis has been declined in recent years, but the cost of exclusive diagnosis is still its major part.

Changes of atrial natriuretic peptide and antidiuretic hormone in children with postural tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypertension： a case control study

Background The abnormal blood volume regulation is one of the most important pathogenesis in postural tachycardia syndrome in children.This study was designed to investigate the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and antidiuretic hormone levels in postural tachycardia syndrome children,and their associations with the changes in heart rate and blood pressure in head-up test.Methods Twenty-one postural tachycardia syndrome patients （（12±2） years） and 26 healthy children （（12±1） years） were included.According to blood pressure changes in head-up test,the postural tachycardia syndrome patients were divided into two subgroups：postural tachycardia syndrome with orthostatic hypertension and postural tachycardia syndrome without orthostatic hypertension.The plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and antidiuretic hormone levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results The plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level in postural tachycardia syndrome patients was higher than the control （P=0.004）,whereas the difference in plasma antidiuretic hormone level between postural tachycardia syndrome and controls was not significant （P=0.222）.The plasma antidiuretic hormone level of patients suffering from postural tachycardia syndrome with orthostatic hypertension was much higher than that of children having postural tachycardia syndrome without orthostatic hypertension （P ＜0.05）.In postural tachycardia syndrome patients,the updght max heart rate was positively correlated with the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level （r=0.490,P＜0.05） and the upright systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with the plasma antidiuretic hormone levels （r=0.472,P ＜0.05）.Conclusions There was a disturbance of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and antidiuretic hormone in postural tachycardia syndrome children.

Orthostatic Intolerance and Coagulation Abnormalities:An Update

Orthostatic intolerance(OI)is a series of clinical symptoms that develop during long-term standing in the upright position,with clinical manifestations of frequent,recurrent,or persistent dizziness,fatigue,and heart palpitations with or without syncope.

Clinical progress of orthostatic hypertension in children

In healthy subjects, changes in posture are accompanied by autoregulatory mechanisms that ensure the relatively small fluctuations of blood pressure （BP）. Orthostatic hypotension （OH） is well-recognized as a risk factor for falls, syncope, and cardiovascular events. Although OH is commonly encountered, orthostatic hypertension （OHT）, with a marked increase in BP upon standing, has not been frequently reported. In the clinic, it is generally both unexpected and counterintuitive. However, sometimes, OHT can be dramatic and persistent. Studies in recent years have shown that OHT is a new cardiovascular risk factor. However, till date, most studies only focused on adults and aged patients; there were very few reports in children. Therefore, appreciation of the true incidence of OHT, elucidation of the underlying pathophysiology, and understanding of the potentially effective treatment approaches, associated risks, and benefits, might be significant in children.

Prognostic analysis of orthostatic intolerance using survival model in children

Background Orthostatic intolerance （Ol） is a common disease at pediatric period which has a serious impact on physical and mental health of children.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of related factors on the prognosis of children with Ol.Methods The subjects were 170 children with Ol,including 71 males （41.8％） and 99 females （58.2％） with age from 6 to 17 （12.0±2.6） years.The effect of related factors on the prognosis of children was studied by using univariate analysis.Then,the impact of children＇s age,symptom score,duration,disease subtype,and treatment on patient＇s prognosis was studied via analysis of COX proportional conversion model.Results Among 170 cases,48 were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope,including 28 cases of vasoinhibitory type,16 cases of mixed type,and 4 cases of cardioinhibitory type; 115 cases were diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome and 7 cases with orthostatic hypotension.By using univariate analysis of Cox regression,the results showed that symptom score had a marked impact on the time of symptoms improvement of children after taking medication （P ＜0.05）,while other univariates had no impact （P ＞0.05）.Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the symptom score at diagnosis had a significant effect on holding time of symptoms improvement of children after taking medication （P ＜0.05）.Kaplan-Meier curve showed that symptom-free survival was higher in children with symptom score equal to 1 than children with symptom score equal to or greater than 2 during follow-up （P ＜0.05）.Conclusion Symptom score is an important factor affecting the time of symptom improvement after treatment for children with Ol.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy: Risk factors, diagnosis and treatment

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy(CAN)is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus(DM)that is strongly associated with approximately five-fold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.CAN manifests in a spectrum of things,ranging from resting tachycardia and fixed heart rate(HR)to development of"silent"myocardial infarction.Clinical correlates or risk markers for CAN are age,DM duration,glycemic control,hypertension,and dyslipidemia(DLP),development of other microvascular complications.Established risk factors for CAN are poor glycemic control in type 1 DM and a combination of hypertension,DLP,obesity,and unsatisfactory glycemic control in type 2DM.Symptomatic manifestations of CAN include sinus tachycardia,exercise intolerance,orthostatic hypotension(OH),abnormal blood pressure(BP)regulation,dizziness,presyncope and syncope,intraoperative cardiovascular instability,asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and infarction.Methods of CAN assessment in clinical practice include assessment of symptoms and signs,cardiovascular reflex tests based on HR and BP,short-term electrocardiography(ECG),QT interval prolongation,HR variability(24 h,classic24 h Holter ECG),ambulatory BP monitoring,HR turbulence,baroreflex sensitivity,muscle sympathetic nerve activity,catecholamine assessment and cardiovascular sympathetic tests,heart sympathetic imaging.Although it is common complication,the significance of CAN has not been fully appreciated and there are no unified treatment algorithms for today.Treatment is based on early diagnosis,life style changes,optimization of glycemic control and management of cardiovascular risk factors.Pathogenetic treatment of CAN includes:Balanced diet and physical activity;optimization of glycemic control;treatment of DLP;antioxidants,first of allα-lipoic acid(ALA),aldose reductase inhibitors,acetylL-carnitine;vitamins,first of all fat-soluble vitamin B1;correction of vascular endothelial dysfunction;prevention and treatment of thrombosis;in severe cases-treatment of OH.The promising methods include prescription of prostacyclin analogues,thromboxane A2 blockers and drugs that contribute into strengthening and/or normalization of Na^+,K^+-ATPase(phosphodiesterase inhibitor),ALA,dihomo-γ-linolenic acid(DGLA),ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(ω-3 PUFAs),and the simultaneous prescription of ALA,ω-3 PUFAs and DGLA,but the future investigations are needed.Development of OH is associated with severe or advanced CAN and prescription of nonpharmacological and pharmacological,in the foreground midodrine and fludrocortisone acetate,treatment methods are necessary.

Acute complications of spinal cord injuries

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of acute complications of spinal cord injury(SCI). Along with motor and sensory deficits, instabilities of the cardiovascular, thermoregulatory and broncho-pulmonary system are common after a SCI. Disturbances of the urinary and gastrointestinal systems are typical as well as sexual dysfunction. Frequent complications of cervical and high thoracic SCI are neurogenic shock, bradyarrhythmias, hypotension, ectopic beats, abnormal temperaturecontrol and disturbance of sweating, vasodilatation and autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is an abrupt, uncontrolled sympathetic response, elicited by stimuli below the level of injury. The symptoms may be mild like skin rash or slight headache, but can cause severe hypertension, cerebral haemorrhage and death. All personnel caring for the patient should be able to recognize the symptoms and be able to intervene promptly. Disturbance of respiratory function are frequent in tetraplegia and a primary cause of both short and long-term morbidity and mortality is pulmonary complications. Due to physical inactivity and altered haemostasis, patients with SCI have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and pressure ulcers. Spasticity and pain are frequent complications which need to be addressed. The psychological stress associated with SCI may lead to anxiety and depression. Knowledge of possible complications during the acute phase is important because they may be life threatening and/ or may lead to prolonged rehabilitation.